For the first time in years, the legislature has passed and the governor has signed, broad-based tax reform - lowering the income tax but broadening the sales tax. This week on Maine Watch, how the new tax code affects Maine individuals and businesses, and the efforts for a people's veto of it. Plus, will a whole new fisheries management system save Maine's fish and fishing communities?

Imagine huge windmills on platforms in the Gulf of Maine, or barges with turbines capturing tidal power in the Bay of Fundy.  The potential is great, not just for generating renewable electricity, but also for bringing investment and jobs to Maine.  How close are we? What are the implications?  This week on Maine Watch, Jennifer and the Maine Watch team visited the Ocean Energy conference in Rockland where they explore the issue of renewable energy from the Atlantic Ocean.

Go inside a large-scale, cage-free chicken operation as well as a more conventional caged operation, and explores the difference.  Jennifer discusses the explosion of backyard chicken farming and concerns about the avian flu with state vet Don Hoenig and extension specialist Dick Brzozwski.  Plus, a vocational program that gets kids fired up about construction careers.

Explore the amazing night migration of birds over Maine each spring and fall. Literally millions of birds pass over our heads while we sleep. Jennifer and the Maine Watch crew go out in the field with ornithologist Jeff Wells, as he records the sounds of the birds. Also, WCSH meteorologist Roger Griswold records the night migration on radar. Plus, Jennifer discusses the impact of wind turbines, cell towers and other human activity on the night migration of birds with Wing Goodale of the Biodiversity Research Institute and Jeff Wells.

This weeks' program looks at what seniors should consider when investing money in a bear market and weak economy. Jennifer sits down with SEC Commissioner Elisse Walter and Maine Office of Securities Director Judy Shaw.

The Maine Watch team investigates the state's epidemic of abuse, theft and trafficking of prescription drugs. By some measures, Maine has the worst problem in the nation.  The Maine Watch looks for answers to this problem with guests Timothy Wiegand of the Northern New England Poison Center and Joseph Massey, Waterville Chief of Police.

Jennifer sat down for an exclusive interview with Maine governor John Baldacci (D). He discusses his decision to sign the bill that made Maine the fifth state to legalize same sex marriage. Maine has spent the last week making world headlines with the passage of this bill and now it faces a possible so-called people's veto. Also, Jennifer sits down with state Senator Dennis Damon (D) and state Representative Doug Thomas (R).  Damon was the sponsor of the bill while Thomas opposed it.

Jennifer sat down for an interview with Ryan Low, Maine Finance Commissioner.  Jennifer asks him about the stimulus money coming in to the state: how much, where it's going, who oversees it.  We'll also get an update on the state revenue shortfall from him.

The second segment is an interview with the new director of the Portland Museum of Art, Mark Bessire. He is a rising star in the Maine art world - former head of the ICA at MECA and the Bates College Museum of Art. He's considered  to be an innovator so we'll focus on the role of an art museum in the 21st century and his vision for the PMA.

Both of Maine's U.S. Representatives, Congressman Mike Michaud (D) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D), sit down with Jennifer Rooks to discuss the monumental legislation passed by Congress this year. Also, the President's budget, Maine's opportunities under the stimulus package. And we'll attempt to learn the difference between Blue Dogs and Green Dogs.

Senator Snowe talks about her role in passing the "economic recovery" package and her opposition to the President's proposed budget. Also, cyber-security and bipartisanship.  And, on the subject of health care reform - we sit in on one of the Senator's Maine "listening sessions" and hear what some of the stakeholders on this issue are telling her.